With Sam at the ‘Goal Challenge’ were, from left: Nick, Lacey, Jude and Callum Lacey. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
THERE was a chance for many to catch their first glimpse of the newly-crowned All-Ireland champions in action again when the Kerry team took part in the ‘Goal Challenge’ match in Austin Stack Park on Wednesday night.
Above all, the night was a great opportunity for kids to meet their heroes and a chance to get an autograph and a photo with the Sam Maguire. In total 16 players turned out, including Tralee players, Kieran Donaghy and Barry John Keane who, as you can imagine, were a big hit with the locals.
The match was billed as Kerry A’s v B’s with the A-Team managed by Eamonn Fitzmaurice and the B-Team by team coach, Cian O’Neill.
The way the players lined out was 8-aside and with many aching bones and stomachs clearly evident, the game never went over a leisurely stroll. There was a reprisal for Bryan Sheehan in goal, who, before he made it onto the senior squad, was a Kerry minor goalkeeper.
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Because the game lacked any competitive edge whatsoever, the players decided to at least entertain the crowd with some of their skills, the standout moment being when Barry John volleyed a pass he received first time over the bar from about 30 yards.
There was also a cheeky moment when, as Bryan Sheehan prepared to take a kick out, the team’s co-captain, Fionn Fitzgerald, knocked the ball off his tee and ran the other direction ala Barry John.
After the match, fans were allowed to come on the pitch to get up close with the players. The champions of 2014 were only too obliging to stay, take selfies and sign autographs until everyone was looked after. Entrance for the match was €5 with all proceeds going to the GOAL charity.
Scroll down for photos from the night…
The Kerry A and B team that took part in the ‘GOAL Challenge’ charity match in Austin Stack Park. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Barry John Keane, runs out to huge applause at the ‘GOAL Challenge’ charity match in Austin Stack Park. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Barry John Keane gives Fergal Corkery a chance to stand in Sam. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the ‘GOAL Challenge’ match in Austin Stack Park were, from left: Leona Twiss with her son Sean. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Kieran Donaghy gets a huge reception as he runs out on the pitch for the ‘GOAL Challenge’ charity match on in Austin Stack Park.
Jamie Cleary Lynch, gets his hands on Sam at the ‘Goal Challenge’ charity match on in Austin Stack Park. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the ‘GOAL Challenge’ match in Austin Stack Park were, from left: Dara Carey, Eddie Healy, Phillip Healy and Aaron Carey. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Fionn Fitzgerald cheekily kicks the ball off the tee just as Bryan Sheehan was about to take a kick out. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the ‘GOAL Challenge’ match in Austin Stack Park were, from left: Adam, Liam, Eoin and Jack Joy. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the ‘GOAL Challenge’ match in Austin Stack Park were, from left: Bernard O’Dwyer, Kieran O’Dwyer and Dara O’Dwyer. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the ‘GOAL Challenge’ charity match on in Austin Stack Park, were, from left: Tadgh Moran, Dara O’Shea, Cian O’Shea and Cian Moran. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the ‘GOAL Challenge’ match in Austin Stack Park were. Eamonn Fitzmaurice with Fergal Corkery. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the ‘GOAL Challenge’ charity match in Austin Stack Park, were, in Sam, Sean Guerin with Billy Guerin and Michelle Barrett. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Mike Moriarty lifting Sam at the ‘GOAL Challenge’ charity match on in Austin Stack Park. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Megan Tearle lifting Sam at the ‘GOAL Challenge’ charity match on in Austin Stack Park. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Kerry team coach, Cian O’Neil, poses the question to Marc O’Se if will he be staying on another year? Marc keeps his cards firmly to his chest. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Stephan O’Brien signs the jersey of one lucky fan. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Marc O’Se with Kerry fans at the ‘GOAL Challenge’ charity match on in Austin Stack Park, from left: Katie, Aoife, Noel and Ellen O’Sullivan. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the ‘GOAL Challenge Match in Austin Stack Park were, from left: Leann Flaherty and Micheal Flaherty. Photo by Gavin O’Connor
